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In line with the recently launched Donegal Food Strategy, Donegal County
Enterprise Board plans to run a 10 week programme on Starting Your Own Artisan Food Production Business,
beginning in November. As part of their recruitment process they are holding
Information Road Shows over the next two weeks at 3 locations across County Donegal.

The Donegal Food Strategy sets outs an ambitious vision for food within Donegal and seeks to make Donegal a county famous for food and recognised as a pioneering region for its approach to fostering and growing new and existing food businesses. This new Programme is aimed at People who are thinking of starting their own artisan / food production business or in the early stages of start-up.

A study by the New Economics Foundation in London found that every €10 spent with a local food business is worth €25 to the local economy which further supports the rationale for creating a vibrant local food economy. A Taste Council of Ireland Report suggests that during the next 10 years, 650 new food entrepreneurs could be established resulting in the creation of 6,500 new jobs.

Donegal Chef Gary O'Hanlon is County Donegal's Food Ambassador

Gary O'Hanlon, Executive Chef at Viewmount House is now filling the role as Food Ambassador for the Donegal Food Strategy and he emphasises the importance and opportunities there are in sourcing and using local quality produce.

On successful completion of the programme participants should have a sound knowledge of the rudiments of food business start-up, including food safety and food technology and be in a position to go about their start-up in an effective way. Participants will hear about the structure of the programme from the trainers as well as the experiences of local artisan food businesses.

The Content of the Programme includes:

Workshop 1: Selecting and Researching Ideas

Workshop 2: New Product Development

Workshop 3: Legislation and Food Safety

Workshop 4: Food Technology

Workshop 5: Marketing and Branding

Workshop 6: Sales Growth

Workshop 7: Effective Food Packaging

Workshop 8: Product Costing, Pricing & Finance

Workshop 9: Food Distribution

Workshop 10: Business and Marketing Plan

In addition to the workshop element of the programme each participant will receive up to ten hours of one-to-one mentoring delivered in 2 hour sessions. It is intended that the programme will be delivered one evening a week for ten consecutive weeks with a total workshop time of 30 hours.

Support

Where appropriate, participants on the programme will be able to apply for a range of Donegal County Enterprise Board supports in areas such as food safety, food technology, shelf life optimisation, product packaging and food labelling to assist them with the commercial realisation of their products.

Cost & Contact Details

The Start Your Own Artisan Food Production Business Programme begins in November 2012 & the Cost is €120 which is also payable in instalments.

The Irish Food Guide is...

The Irish Food Guide Blog www.IrishFoodGuide.ie includes news, foodie chat, recipes, award results, links and other general information on the Food & Tourism Industry in Ireland.

It is written & curated by Zack Gallagher, Donegal Town, Co Donegal, Ireland.

“My Blog is a slice of the Irish Food ‘Network’. I’m a Chef with over 27 years experience and also have a background in media. I’m passionate about Irish Food Tourism and I believe that a rising tide really can lift all boats!”

Supporting Irish Food created by passionate producers and encouraging the Irish food & hospitality industry to use modern social media methods to increase their business.

Zack is building an all-Ireland Food Tourism network to assist Tour Operators bringing guests into Ireland to connect easily with artisan Irish food producers, so as they can experience the provenance and personality behind our Irish food Visit www.IrishFoodTours.ie